Pointo And Jadavpur University Join Forces To Electrify Fossil-Fuel Vehicles Such As The HM Ambassador
- By MT Bureau
- May 22, 2025
Pointo, a leading innovator in India's Energy Solution sector, and Jadavpur University (JU) will collaborate to transform fossil fuel-powered Hindustan Ambassador cars into fully electric vehicles (EVs). The landmark project goes beyond retrofitment and underlines sustainable as well as eco-friendly transport.
As part of the endeavour, Pointo will leverage its ability to create a circular economy in the battery industry by providing affordable and scalable energy solution models and vast supply and distribution network.
Showcasing batteries as power sources and enablers of transformation, converting decades-old diesel-run vehicles into emission-free electric cars, the endeavour with Pointo and Jadavpur University as able partners, will involve detailed design and engineering exercise to successfully retrofit Hindustan Ambassador models - Classic, Grand, Avigo and Encore with electric propulsion system.
The finer details of it will include vehicle diagnostics, electric motor and powertrain integration, smart battery placement, chassis and suspension adaptations and embedding of advanced BMS (Battery Management System). There will be telemetry software a part too.
Attention will be on achieving full regulatory compliance for pan-India deployment as well. The retrofitted Ambassadors will undergo rigorous testing to meet the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), receive emission-free certification, and secure approvals from authorities like the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).
This project would address a deeper societal and environmental challenge. For example, the iconic yellow Ambassador taxis, still operating in parts of Kolkata and other cities, powered by ageing diesel engines, are claimed to contribute significantly to urban air pollution and declining public health standards.
Transforming them into EVs would remove the pollution stigma attached to them through this initiative that keeps into view the need to arrest air quality degradation at its source and provide a replicable, scalable solution for thousands of such vehicles across Indian cities.
While the project begins in West Bengal, its implications are national, mentioned a source aware of the development.
“This partnership with Jadavpur University marks a major step towards transforming India’s Clean Energy Storage and Power legacy,” said Riki Biswas, CEO and Director, Pointo. “With our expertise in battery technology and JU’s engineering excellence, we aim to not just retrofit vehicles but build a platform where the dependency on fossil fuels is reduced and batteries as a source of power and storage are promoted. This project has the potential to reduce emissions at scale, create livelihood opportunities, and preserve automotive heritage while aligning with our national electric mobility goals,” he added.
Image Credit: Jan J George
Mahindra Launches First Dealership-Based Ultrafast EV Charger In Anantapur
- By MT Bureau
- December 02, 2025
Mahindra has marked a major milestone in its nationwide electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure expansion with the inauguration of its first dealership-based ultrafast charger – a 180 kW Charge_IN station.
This is the first of many such installations planned across Mahindra dealerships, forming a key pillar of the company’s commitment to building India’s ultrafast charging network.
This initiative scales up Mahindra’s Charge_IN ecosystem, complementing the 250 highway fast-charging stations already announced. The new 180 kW ultrafast chargers will enable EV users to charge quickly and conveniently at strategically located dealerships across the country, with 24x7 on-ground support.
Hyundai Motor India Wholesales Grow 9.1% In November
- By MT Bureau
- December 01, 2025
Hyundai Motor India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has reported wholesales of 66,840 units in November 2025, up 9.1 percent YoY as against 61,252 units last year.
This includes domestic sales of 50,340 units, up 4 percent YoY and exports of 16,500 units, up 27 percent YoY.
Tarun Garg, Whole-time Director & Chief Operating Officer, Hyundai Motor India, said, “Supported by GST 2.0 reforms, we continue to carry forward sales momentum with a year-on-year growth in our monthly domestic sales in November 2025. Further, our commitment to bolstering India’s role as a global manufacturing hub is further solidified with 26.9% year-on-year growth in monthly exports.”
He further added that the all-new Hyundai Venue SUV, the company's first software-defined vehicle in India, has received more than 32,000 bookings within a month of its launch. The new Venue features ccNC infotainment powered by Nvidia.
Toyota Kirloskar Motor Reports 28% Sales Growth In November
- By MT Bureau
- December 01, 2025
Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) has announced its wholesales for November 2025, reporting total sales of 33,752 units, up 28 percent YoY.
This includes 30,085 units sold in the domestic market and 3,667 units exported.
Varinder Wadhwa, Vice-President, Sales–Service–Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, “Following a positive festive season supported by the government’s progressive GST reforms, we continue to witness a strong momentum, with a growth of 19 percent. The recent introduction of the Urban Cruiser Hyryder Aero Edition and Fortuner Leader Edition has also continued to help us reinforce this growth trajectory, receiving recognition across the country. The innovative initiatives such as the Drum Tao and the launch of the toyota experiential museum (tem) in Bangalore, have been highly appreciated, further strengthening customer engagement and brand connect.”
Kia India Teases Design Of All-New Seltos SUV Ahead Of December 10 Launch
- By MT Bureau
- December 01, 2025
Kia India, one of the leading passenger vehicle manufacturers, has released the first teaser of the all-new Kia Seltos SUV, offering a glimpse of its popular model ahead of its world premiere on 10th December.
The teaser shows the SUV’s sharper design language, reflecting an evolution of the Seltos silhouette. The model is redesigned to lead and strengthen Kia’s presence in the growing mid-SUV segment in India.
The all-new Kia Seltos is rooted in Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy. It combines SUV styling with a forward-looking, high-tech character. With new proportions, sharper lines and a muscular stance, the Kia Seltos is positioned to be a visually striking SUV designed for modern Indian lifestyles. Its design merges the rugged spirit of past SUVs with the sleek, aerodynamic sophistication of Kia’s innovations.
The Seltos SUV features proportions, striking cladding and precise surfacing. The new Kia Digital Tiger Face grille dominates the front, complemented by the signature Star Map lighting, echoed at the rear, creating a cohesive and futuristic identity. Details like flush door handles enhance practicality.
Gwanggu Lee, MD & CEO, Kia India, said, "The Seltos has always set benchmarks in the mid-SUV segment, and this new evolution takes it to the next level. The all-new Kia Seltos represents a bold evolution of India’s favourite mid-SUV. Every detail, from its striking design to advanced technology and enhanced performance – has been reimagined around the aspirations of our customers. This teaser gives just a glimpse of what’s to come, and we are thrilled to soon bring this sharper, bolder, and more refined Seltos to the Indian market, continuing to lead and redefine the mid-SUV segment."

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